Kristina Shevchenko’s trauma surgeon, Dr. Laszlo Kiraly, said she came to Oregon Health and Science University “seriously wounded with an assault rifle wound to the chest.”

She was awake when she arrived, but her lung and liver were seriously damaged.

Surgeons operated on her that night, which Kiraly said was successful. As of Wednesday afternoon, she was listed in “serious” condition in the intensive care unit.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Kiraly said he is “optimistic for her full recovery,” although he said there would be a lengthy rehabilitation process. Doctors said they are also worried about problems caused by any unwanted infections.

“We are deeply grateful for the quick response of the emergency service providers, public safety and police officers as well as Clackamas Town Center staff,” Shevchenko’s family said in a statement. “We would also like to thank everyone at OHSU Hospital. We very much appreciate the incredible support we’ve received from friends, family members and the Portland community.”

“I was very impressed with the support her family offered,” Kiraly said, noting that family members have been by Kristina’s side the entire time. “It’s clear to me that she’s a very brave young woman.”

"She informed us today that the first person to be thanked is Alyona, her friend and schoolmate at Clackamas Middle School, who immediately called 911 and remained by her side until the emergency service providers arrived," the family said.

Members of Kristina’s family have created a Facebook page to provide updates and collect donations.

Kiraly said the kind of assault rifle used in the shooting typically causes severe damage to victims. Many of Kristina’s wounds were caused by the blast effect of being hit by such a high velocity round.

He said the wounds are different than doctors might see with a handgun. Gunshot wounds from this type of weapon are generally only seen with hunting accidents or police situations where they must use powerful rifles.